I considered doing it also, but changed my mind once I found out how much it cost. The only one who actually "certifies" you is with Vickie Milazzo. You can look at it here...http://www.legalnurse.com/
But there are many other ways to get a degree in it.

Jun 12, '08

I will move this thread to the Legal Nursing Forum where you will receive more responses.

Jun 12, '08

Hello Babs0512 and chenoaspirit and welcome to the Legal Nursing Forum.

It is good to hear of your interest in Legal Nurse Consulting. Although formal LNC training is not currently required to become an LNC, I would not recommend persuing this without training. You will find information in the Legal Nurse threads regarding several of the LNC training programs.

The cost for the programs varies greatly, although the basic information is very similar. Some programs offer online training such as the courses offered by AALNC and Kaplan. Other programs such as the Vickie Milazzo program offer training via seminars and home-study. You need to research the various programs and find one which fits your budget and your learning style.

As far as certification, most programs offer a certificate of completion upon successful completion of the program and exam. The only certification that is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties is the LNCC offered by AALNC. This is a practice-based certification and can be earned only by RN's with a minimum of 5 years of experience as an RN, evidence of 2000 hours of experience as an LNC, and successful completion of an exam. Any LNC who meets these requirements is eligible to take this exam. An LNC does not have to be certified before starting in this career.

If you have specific questions about any of the programs or becoming an LNC, feel free to post them here.

Jul 6, '08

tnbutterfly: Thank you for the information. If what you said is true, than the AALNC program would be the way to go. I haven't looked into cost yet, Vicki Milazzo's progam is about $12,000.00 - I lost my breath when I saw that. I don't have that kind of money, and probably never will.

So, if I try to start being a LNC, how do I do that? Do I walk into local attorney's offices and "sell myself"? I've googled legal nurse consultants in NY, and I came up with only two groups, one I believe was in Buffalo, the other in NYC - I live far from either place. I did e-mail the group in buffalo expressing interest, I figured I could be a contact for them in Central NY. They have not bothered to email me back, that was about a month ago. I don't know how to begin.

Looking forward to your guidance.

Thanks

Babs

Jul 7, '08

From your post it sounds as though you would benefit from doing some more research on LNC work and running a business.

I recommend going to the Small Business Administration website and utilizing their self-assessment tool to see what some of your needs are in relation to starting and running your own business. They have excellent webinars to help you learn business basics.

Continue to research LNC work. This is not easy work and jobs don't normally just fall into your lap. More money than you think is required to get all the tools needed to compete in the marketplace. Be sure you understand all the hidden costs before you make a decision. You get what you pay for and you need to arm yourself with the proper tools to be able to not only do the job but to land the job.

May 1, '10

Hello everyone! i am a pre-nursing student who is considering being a Legal Nurse Consultant because of my passion for both nursing and law. I saw your info on a website and decided to address you. Likewise, if its okay with you can u give me some advice on this career, and how i can be successful at it?. Also i understand that i have to at least have 3 years of experience as a Rn which will be when im 23. So basically im asking what is the average age for a LNC? and is it hard for them to get hired by law firms etc.?? how long will it take me to start up my own buisness?

As much as information you can provide me with is appreciated.
Thanks in Advanced.

Hello everyone! i am a pre-nursing student who is considering being a Legal Nurse Consultant because of my passion for both nursing and law. I saw your info on a website and decided to address you. Likewise, if its okay with you can u give me some advice on this career, and how i can be successful at it?. Also i understand that i have to at least have 3 years of experience as a Rn which will be when im 23. So basically im asking what is the average age for a LNC? and is it hard for them to get hired by law firms etc.?? how long will it take me to start up my own buisness?

As much as information you can provide me with is appreciated.
Thanks in Advanced.